Mrs MacDonald, who joined the committee in 2016, takes over the top job from Chris Evans, who will stay on the general committee.

Mr Evans' first festival as president was 2013, overseeing the successful staging of the event for the past seven years.

Mrs MacDonald said she was excited about her new role.

"I love being part of the Koroit Irish Festival and it's a real honour to be named president," Mrs MacDonald said.

"The festival is in a strong position and a lot of that comes down to the hard work of the committee.

"The Koroit community and the ever-growing band of visitors that come to the town for the festival are so supportive of the event.

"It's makes for exciting times ahead.

"Everyone is so passionate about the festival and planning for 2020 is well underway.

"As a committee, we have to keep working hard to deliver everything people love about the festival as well as keep it fresh and always evolving."

Mrs MacDonald's appointment came at the festival's annual general meeting,

Anthony Evans (secretary) and Leon Carey (vice-president) remain in key roles while James Callinan comes on board as treasurer.

The 2020 Koroit Irish Festival will be held on the weekend of May 1-3.

Tickets for the festival, which was first held in 1997, will go on sale in January.